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FRETLESS?

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by frankencow150, Nov 5, 2001.

  1. Nov 5, 2001 #1
    frankencow150

    frankencow150 Guest

    Oct 17, 2001
    what are the points of using a fretless.i wanna try a warwick fretless.does it give them a different sound?is it easier to play.im talking about the normal fretless,not upright bass.also,are acoustic basses any good?not uprights,normal acoustics,like acoustic guitars,but basses.r they any good?
     
  2. Nov 5, 2001 #2
    ColonelZulu

    ColonelZulu Not Impressed By Those Who Flaunt “Authority” Supporting Member

    Apr 14, 2001
    Pennsylvania
    Fretless = no frets

    With that, of course, the notes you can play are not limited by the spacing of the frets. ie, when you hold down a note on a fretted bass, the string vibrates from where it contacts the fretwire below your finger down to the bridge.

    On a fretless bass, the note goes from where your finger holds the string down to the bridge.

    Ok, now given that there are no fretwires, you can play anything between the "standard" notes. You can transition from note to note without having to life your finger, and slide between, or play like you do with a fretted bass.You have to be very acurate on your fingerboard, as you can imagine.
    It's like a trombone.

    Think, Paul Young "Every Time You Go".
     
  3. Nov 5, 2001 #3
    frankencow150

    frankencow150 Guest

    Oct 17, 2001
    is it hard to to get used to playing a fretless after using a normal bass for a few months?
     
  4. Nov 5, 2001 #4
    Angus

    Angus Supporting Member

    Apr 16, 2000
    Palo Alto, CA
    It's always hard getting "used" to a fretless.
     
  5. Nov 5, 2001 #5
    geshel

    geshel

    Oct 2, 2001
    Seattle
    Fretless is harder to play, because you have to be more accurate with your left hand. You also have to be more careful how your finger pushes down on the string (ie is your finger flat, or are you using the tip) because this determines to a large part the resulting sound.

    But in the end, your fretted technique gets better (because on fretted you should place your finger more or less right behind the fret anyway), and your ear gets better since you have to use it to tell if your finger is in exactly the right spot.

    It also sounds awesome. :) Chances are you've heard some recordings with prominent fretless. It's generally warmer sounding, with a good growl/singing quality (known as the "mwah" :), but can sound pretty aggressive too (eg Les Claypool).
     
  6. Nov 5, 2001 #6
    Fretless Friday

    Fretless Friday

    Jan 26, 2001
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    First of all, you are asking two completely non-related questions.

    Second, I have no experience with acoustic basses.

    Third, and lastly. Why do you want to try a fretless? What are you hoping to accomplish? I'd be the last person on the planet to tell you not to try one, but keep in mind what you are trying to accomplish by playing one.

    Fretless basses are MUCH HARDER to play than a fretted bass. The reason people play them is because they are also much more expressive than a fretted bass.

    Look forward to months of practice before you could gig with one. And even then, don't expect it to be a matter of picking it up and playing it.

    I've been playing fretless for a lot of years and there's still days when my intonation is poor.

    But, if you try one, and find it is the instrument you have been looking for, enjoy!

    FF
     
  7. Nov 5, 2001 #7
    frankencow150

    frankencow150 Guest

    Oct 17, 2001
    i go to my local music stores alot so i mess around with pretty much everything.but havent tried a fretless.just wanted to try one cuz they seem neat.i think it will be hard because i depend on frets,but also im always picturing where my fingers are in my mind when im playing something,so it might come easy,probably not,but maybe.